For anyone who is looking for a great vegan or vegetarian protein powder, here is some good news. There are multiple plant-based sources that are used to develop these supplements, giving you a wide range of choices.
Here is a list of the different types of vegetarian or vegan protein supplements that are currently popular in the world of fitness and nutrition:
Pea Protein Powder
This is the most common choice which is also incorporated into products like bGREEN 100% vegetarian protein powder. Pea protein is usually derived from yellow peas that are higher in their protein content. It is a preferred choice because:
- On average, a 28g serving of pea protein powder gives you about 21 grams of protein.
- It is rich in BCAAs, lysine, valine, and isoleucine that are vital for recovery after strenuous training.
- It provides similar muscle development benefits like whey proteins.
Hemp Protein Powder
This protein powder is derived from the plant family Cannabaceae. This variety was cultivated for its rich protein content and edible seeds. The features of hemp protein powder are:
- A 28g serving usually contains up to 12 grams of protein.
- It is one of the best sources of iron, fiber, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acid, Alpha-Linolenic Acid.
- Studies show that it contains certain compounds that are invaluable in reducing blood pressure.
Brown Rice Protein
This is a cheaper variety of vegetarian protein supplements. It provides multiple benefits like:
- 1 serving of 28g of this protein powder gives you about 22g of protein, on average.
- It contains a high amount of BCAAs that support muscle recovery and development.
- When consumed after weight training, it can contribute to better muscle volume and strength.
Soy Protein Powder
Soy protein is one of the most common options for vegetarians and vegans to ensure that they consume the daily required intake of this nutrient. With soy protein powders, you get the following benefits:
- It contains a well-balanced amount of all 9 essential amino acids, making it a great standalone plant-based protein supplement.
- With a serving of 28g of soy protein powder, you can get about 22g of protein easily.
- There are several beneficial plant compounds in a soy protein powder that can even reduce cholesterol levels when consumed on a regular basis.
Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
Consuming pumpkin seeds is a sure shot way for vegetarians to increase their protein intake. The benefits of this protein-rich seed are now available even in popular vegan protein supplements:
- It is not only rich in protein but also gives you a good dose of healthy fat.
- When consumed in the powdered form, the unwanted fats are removed, making it a low-calorie option.
- With one serving of 28g of pumpkin seed protein, you get about 18 grams of protein.
- It is also rich in other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and important plant compounds.
- Pumpkin seed protein powder is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Tips to Choose The Best Plant Protein Powder
Besides the common types mentioned above, you also have other sources like chia protein and sunflower seed proteins that you can choose from. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Choose products that use plant protein blends. This makes sure that the level of amino acid that you consume is balanced as some plant proteins have a lower concentration of a few essential amino acids.
- Look for sugar and fat-free options.
- Make sure that the product that you choose contains clinically researched ingredients for maximum efficacy and potency.
- If you have any pre-existing food allergies, make sure you choose a plant protein powder that will not trigger any reaction.
Vegetarian protein supplements are also the most sustainable option to fulfill your protein requirements. So, if you wish to choose a product that is also good for our plant, you know which one is best.